Wayland's Smithy

I've just started a Group on PaganSpace called Wayland's Smithy. The idea is to have a specific forum for people to talk and learn about The Blacksmith, one of the most powerful initiators in the European traditions as well as reflexes in other cultures too. It is meant to be for discussion of both the historical/cultural side as well as the deeper sorcerous mysteries surrounding The Reforger.

As I've explained before, the mell in my signature salutation is an archaic Old English spelling of maul, another name for the blacksmith's hammer. It is a powerful totem in the mysteries of my witchcraft current, the Mountain Ash Grove. Some folks associate this with Thunor's Mjolnir, but this is a mistake. Mjolnir was a product of Wolundr's forge, a mighty weapon that the Thunderer weilds against the fomorian Jotun elements. Wayland was smith to the gods, and sorcerers too.

For Wayland is keeper of the fire of Change: the cunning fire that transforms and initiates the worthy seeker. Into his forge go men and women, emerging recast as sorcerers and witches. I don't mean the circus side-show ceremonial magicians of the Crowley sort, or fluffy wannabes holding hands and singing Kumbaya in Ren Fair costumes, mind you. Wayland's trade is in the souls of helrunars and hedgewitches. Like all the mighty ones beyond the veil, Wayland is for the brave heart and true tongue, not to be trifled with.

The road to Wayland's Smithy is an initiatory path fraught with the many dangers all shamanic mystics face. It is not for everyone. It is a journey of profound change, and a source of great power. Don't take my word for it. See for yourself.

Mell and Malkin,

Richard

Tags: blacksmith, european, hedge, initiation, otherworld, sorcery, underworld, wayland, witch, witchcraft

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Comment by Nordichedgewitch on December 13, 2008 at 5:42pm: Good blog. When I have taught runes, I have also used the example of the forge as a way of explaining an important aspect of Thurs. Thurs, frequently and incorrectly called the thorn, has really been more the hammer that transforms the molten metal under it. I use it as a principle rune of transformations for that reason. I always warn students that , as you have pointed out here, transformation is never easy and usually very painful in one way or another. Nicely put! Thank you.